The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 56

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214

USA > Ohio > Montgomery County > The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county > Part 56

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The building, as erected by them, is substantially the infirmary of to-day, high there have been several additions, a house for the insane and numerous u buildings being among the number.

The cost of keeping the poor has increased in proportion to the increase of ilation and wealth of the county. Thus we find in 1835 that the expenses ve $1,219.10; in 1850, $1,972.66; in 1860, $10,000, and tax levied in 1880 nunted to $22,847.13. At present there are 216 inmates, of which number 68 rinsane. The present Superintendent is Isaac Haynes, who has held the posi- ic some three years, and who keeps the institution in excellent and cleanly con- i'n.

The building is heated by steam and has hot and cold water throughout. 'l inmates have a regular physician who attends to their wants and dispenses 1vicine from a drug store which is connected with the building. The health of hinfirmary at present is excellent, and speaks well for the care that is taken of chinmates. The only thing apparently needed at the present time is some ad- it nal room to meet the increasing demands. It is believed something towards buenlargement of the infirmary will be done an early day.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOME.

In 1844 the following ladies petitioned the Legislature to pass a bill incorpo- ang the "Dayton Female Association for the benefit of orphans:" Catherine 'Ilips, Sarah Parrott, Mary D. Este, Margaret Haines, Sarah M. Fry, Susan M. obs, Catherine Clark, Jane W. Ells, Sarah King, Julia Barney, Hannah Richards, I y Brown, Mrs. R. Green, Mrs. T. Blair, Mrs. E. A. Shed, Mary Bartlett, Mrs. Ior Wheelock and their associates. The act of incorporation was passed in Feb- ru y, 1844, and empowered the association, as a body corporate, with perpetual t'ession, to provide by all suitable means for the comfort, maintenance and proper edpation of destitute orphans and other destitute children. The society was au- thlized to purchase, receive, hold and convey such personal and real estate and

520

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

property as was necessary in carrying on the institution, provided the same did exceed $20,000. The payment of $1 annually was the membership fee, and payment of $5 at one time constituted a life membership. The laws, rules regulations governing the society were such as are commonly used by like asso tions.

The citizens of the county contributed means to buy the land and erer small brick building for an asylum, on Magnolia street, in Dayton, which was t for an orphans' home until the erection of the new home across the Miami P.i Dr. Job Haines was an active worker in the establishment of the first childel home, which was carried on in a small way until about 1860, when new life se to have been infused into it by the indefatigable exertions of Mrs. Richard Ba who came to Dayton in 1858. This noble woman, imbued with a spirit of love charity for suffering humanity, began at once to infuse into the association t energy and desire for doing good that characterized her own life. She soon i a leading position in every worthy and charitable work, became President of Dayton Orphan Association, and commenced gathering in Christ's little ones, relieving suffering, sorrow and distress, which holy work she continued until tober 22, 1870, when she peacefully passed away to a blissful immortality. M other noble women have labored zealously in the cause and passed their year ministering to and caring for those little ones, of whom Christ said: "Suffer I children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

It cannot be questioned that untold good was done by this old association, w] came to an end by the Commissioners taking the institution under their cars. Legislature passed a law March 20, 1866, authorizing the establishment of childr homes, and under that act the County Commissioners resolved to take charge of children in the Dayton Orphan Asylum and occupy their building until a more c modious home could be erected. On February 23, 1867, C. Herchelrode, Ro W. Steele and Dr. C. McDermont were invited to take the supervision of the il tution until an act pending in the Legislature amending the former one, shouk decided. The managers of the old home having made an agreement with M Sarah Snodgrass to board the children at the rate of $2.50 each per week, same arrangement was continued by the new Board. On the 16th of April, 18 the Commissioners under the act passed April 10, 1867, appointed the same gel men Trustees, Robert W. Steele for three years, C. Herchelrode for two years Dr. C. McDermont for one year. Mr. Steele was elected President and Herchelrode Secretary of the Board. At the same meeting Miss Rebecca R. Co was appointed to teach a school at the Home, and this lady served continuo in that .capacity until June, 1881, when she resigned and the school was disc tinued, the children now attending the public schools. In May, 1867, Mrs. Si grass having given notice of her intention to leave the institution on the first M day in June, the Trustees resolved to employ a matron and furnish supplies. I Laura A. Hersey was appointed matron at a salary of $400 per year. On the of June, 1867, James Anderson was appointed Secretary of the Board at a sa. of $100 per annum, and Dr. H. K. Steele became attending physician. April 1867, five acres of land in Harrison Township were purchased of B. F. Kuhn $1,000 per acre, upon which to erect a children's home. June 15, 1867, the ( tract for the building was awarded to Daniel Waymire & Co. for $32,800, and Rumbaugh appointed superintendent of the building.

In July, 1867, four lots adjoining the Home grounds were purchased of J Paul, for $500, and the Children's Home was finished and opened this year. April, 1868, Jesse Demint succeeded Dr. C. McDermont as a member of the Boal Trustees, and September 12, 1869, the matron resigned and Mrs. M. A. Broad] was appointed to fill the vacancy. April 6, 1869, the Secretary having resigned, P Marker was appointed to fill the position, he having been previously elected a m ber of the Board to succeed C. Herchelrode. June 7, 1869, the Commissioners,

521

HISTORY OF MONGTOMERY COUNTY.

wied Jos. R. Wagoner a member of the Board in place of Perry Marker, deceased, wne unexpired term he was to fill. William R. Tomlinson was appointed at isneeting as Secretary and bookkeeper of the Board at a salary of $100 per year, savas annually re-elected until he resigned June 3, 1876. June 12, 1869, Mrs. > ri K. Snodgrass was appointed matron instead of Mrs. M. A. Broadbent, sinned, and at a special session June 12, 1869, she was re-appointed. On the 7th nuary, 1870, Dr. J. C. Reeve was appointed attending physician to the Home. Lach 7, 1870, Marcus Eells was appointed a member of the Board in place of cohrt W. Steele, whose term expired. April 2, 1870, Mrs. Lavine Baker was puted matron instead of Mrs. Snodgrass, resigned. February 6, 1871, Dr. Reeve use-appointed physicianof the Home, and in March of that year Jesse Demint ce-appointed as a member of the Board. June 5, 1871, Mrs. Anna Grady ve ppointed matron in place of Mrs. Baker, resigned. February, 5, 1872, Dr. e) was re-appointed physician of the Home, and March 4, 1872, J. B. Wagoner use-appointed as his own successor on the Board; also Mrs. Grady as matron t Home. At the meeting March 3, 1873, Mrs. Grady was again re-appointed. eeve was re-appointed in 1873 as attending physician. In February, 1874, : h W. Turner was appointed a member of the Board vice Joseph R. Wagoner, cesed. March 2, 1874, Jesse Demint was re-appointed as his own successor, rsGrady as matron and Dr. Reeve as attending physician.

n September, 1874, a contract was let for a new slate roof to the building at a stf $510, Wm. H. Scott, of Dayton, doing the work. During the same year an nence was built in front of the Home by Herhold & Hunter, at a cost of $2 per foot, e measure. March 1, 1875, Mrs. Grady was re-appointed matron, and March Į the Commissioners re-appointed John W. Turner on the Board of Trustees. hy, 1875, the building was re-furnished with lightning rods and the old ones se in part pay for the same, Henry Webber doing the job. March 6, 1876, the a. re-appointed Dr. Reeve as physician and Mrs. Grady as matron of the Home. Mirch, 1876, the Commissioners appointed Robt. W. Steele as a member of the a of Trustees vice Marcus Eells, whose term expired. On the 5th of June, ¡ Hiram Lewis was appointed Secretary in place of William R. Tomlinson, ged. On March, 1877, Oliver Zell was appointed a Trustee of the Home, suc- dig Jesse Demint, and, on March 31st, the Board re-appointed Mrs. Grady as tn of the Home, also appointing Dr. W. J. Conklin as attending physician. Vrch, 1878, John W. Turner was re-appointed as his own successor and Dr. nin as physician. On the 6th of May, 1878, Mrs. Mary E. Mants was appointed s ceed Mrs. Grady as matron of the Home, beginning her duties on May 13th. i ady has been appointed annually up to the present and has been one of the efficient matrons the Home has ever had, having served in the Dayton Asylum, n Home, Iowa Home and Michigan State Public School, previous to taking ve of this institution. In March, 1879, Jesse Demint was appointed a member tl Board, succeeding Robert W. Steele. March 22, 1879, Dr. J. C. Reeves ceded Dr. Conklin as attending physician of the Home. In April, 1880, Thomas Igler succeeded Oliver Zell as a member of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Reeves $2-appointed attending physician and C. J. Knecht Secretary of the Board to (ed Hiram Lewis, who had served four years as Secretary. In March, 1881, Laubach succeeded John W. Turner as a member of the Board of Trustees, 1 .pril 16, 1881, Dr. Reeves was again re-appointed attending physician. In 111, 1882, James Turner was appointed a member of the Board vice Jesse Demint, ich time had expired, and March 20, 1882, C. J. Knecht was appointed Super- elent and Clerk. An inventory of the personal property belonging to the Ho1;, February 24, 1882, values it at $7,152 and the current expenses and repairs tue past year were $13,094.60. Average number of children supported, 107, 2.75 boys and 32 girls; cost per capita, $114.25.

Since this Home was built there have been 968 children cared for and 162 of the imber indentured. There are now 123 in the Home, 83 boys and 40 girls,

522

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

and 75 of the whole number are attending school. The rules of the Home are th when a child arrives at the age of sixteen it can no longer remain, but must go on into the world for itself. The majority have been returned to their parents . friends, some have run off, while eighty have died since the Home was starte in 1867. The Home has yearly received a certain fund from the State for tl support of soldier's children. This fund has been collected by Col. M. P. Nola and in some years has cut down the expenses of the Home to a very small margi

The Home is a large three-storied brick building, with cupola and basemen and contains forty-two rooms, heated by steam and lighted with gasoline. In fro: is a nice lawn, dotted with ornamental and shade trees, while the main entran from Summit street is approached by a neat walk, giving to the whole a bom like appearance. In the rear is a brick building wherein is located the heati apparatus, and which is also used for a laundry, while conveniently situated is t fuel house, a two-storied brick structure. The whole rear part of the Home groun is used for gardening purposes, where useful lessons of industry are sought to inculcated into the hearts of the children. The building is supplied with plenty light and ventilation, and throughout is convenient, clean and comfortable, approac ing as near a home as is possible for such an institution.

No doubt many of those little ones have better attendance and more of t. physical comforts of life, than they could get with their parents, yet the strict routi of duty, expected and enforced, cannot be conducive to the intelligent develc ment of the child, and has a tendence to dwarf many of its finer instincts. T present officers are: Thomas A. Legler, H. H. Laubach, James Turner, Tri tees; C. J. Knecht, Superintendent and Clerk; Mrs. Mary E. Mants, Matron; Go Caswell, Steward and Fireman.

THE WOMANS' CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE SUPPORT OF WOMEN.

WIDOWS AND DESTITU

As is generally knowu, it was mainly through the efforts of Mrs. Richa Bates, President of the Orphans' Home, that an act of the Legislature was pass to transfer the property of the old Orphans' Home to "an association for the su port of destitute widows and other women." To have such a home in Dayt was the cherished pleasure in the heart of this noble woman, foremost in eve good work. On the 6th day of May, 1868, Mrs. Bates wrote her last letter rei tive to this transfer, and on the 6th day of May, 1871, the association, with Mi Jno. H. Winters as President, took the last legal steps towards receiving the proper Thus was the daughter enlisted in consummating the mother's cherished wor The legislative act allowing such associations to be incorporated was enact March 30, 1864, but the Dayton society was not formally organized until Nov. 2 1870. In answer to a call made by a few Christian women of Dayton, a good number of ladies met in the parlor of the Y. M. C. A. hall, thus manifesting su! cient interest to justify a regular organization.

The following officers were chosen for 1870-71: President, Mrs. J. H. Wi ters; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. J. B. King, Mrs. W. Herr, Mrs. H. N. Stephens, Ce responding Secretary, Mrs. J. Harry Thomas; Recording Secretary, Miss Magg Cox; Treasurer, Mrs. H. D. Carnell. Fiscal Trustees, Mr. John H. Winters, M R. W. Steele, Mr. C. H. Crawford.

In order to extend the work, the association became an incorporate body adopting the name of "The Womans' Christian Association, of Dayton, Ohio, ! the Support of Widows and Destitute Women." Thus were they enabled to ceive the property and endowment fund of the Dayton Female Orphan Asylu which transfer was ultimately completed in the latter part of 1872. The buildi was out of repair and unsuitable for a dwelling, but much was done in needed i provements towards making it more comfortable and home-like. The home w. opened for the reception of inmates Feb. 8, 1875, and publicly dedicated on t

523

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

11, day of May. Mrs. A. L. Connelly was its first matron and was succeeded by Irs. Addie Broadrup, who took charge in September, 1875. The objects of association are the spiritual, moral, mental, social and physical welfare of cian. Any widow of good moral character over sixty years of age, belonging Dayton, can be admitted to this home upon the payment of $100 to the en- o ment fund, furnishing her own room, clothing and paying funeral expenses, utemales destitute of funds, friends and home will also be admitted temporarily. Sry inmate is required to pay for her board, either in money or work, and Vide who have employment outside of the home may enjoy its benefits by paying . 2jer week. Family worship is observed morning and evening, all inmates eig required to conform strictly to the rules of the institution, while the order n decorum of a well-regulated Christian family is carefully adhered to. It is i o he intention in the management of this home to sustain suffering humanity leness, but to arouse, if possible, energy and ambition, and to help others to ue themselves.

Besides operating this liome, the association has an Industrial School, where ne than 1,000 girls have been taught many useful branchies of industry and La ing, thus fitting them for a moral and intelligent sphere in life's battle. This lol, now numbering over 200 little girls, meets Saturday afternoons and for heast eight years has done untold good. The association have a committee h regularly visit the county jail, infirmary, workhouse and city prison; an em- nonent committee untiring in their efforts to find work for willing hands; a devoted var of women, in charge of the fallen and tempted ones; a visiting committee o' blunteers in every ward who stand always ready to answer to calls of distress (sorrow, whether it be found in the homes of the rich or the poor, and a com- ure who hold regular services in the wards of the Soldiers' Home Hospital. T'h'association has struggled along for years, nobly doing its work, yet on account Le small size of the old "Widows' Home," which, at best, could shelter but seven enns at one time; much was left undone that with better accommodations ilt have been accomplished. The entire work of the society is voluntary, even enatron working without remuneration. The institution is supported by pri- at donotions, the offerings of charitable and benevolent people. It is true that ne derive means from the endowment fund of $5,000, which came into their osession when the transfer was made. In 1881 $10,733 was raised by subscrip- "oifor the purpose of erecting a new and more commodious Widows' Home. Wi P. Huffman gave two acres of ground for a site, and the work of erection mediately began. They hope to have the home ready for occupants in the fall 382, and when completed it will cost about $20,000, which, with trusting, histian assurance, they feel will be dedicated free of debt.

Officers and managers for 1881-82: President, Mrs. John H. Winters; Tic Presidents, Mrs. C. E. Corp, Mrs. Ann L. Martin, Mrs. W. D. Bickliam; psponding Secretary, Mrs. Geo. Keister; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Geo. W. o en; Treasurer, Miss Mary Mitchell; Copyist, Mrs. Walter Smith; Matron of We Home, Mrs. Ellen Siddell; Fiscal Trustees, Mr. John H. Winters, Mr. R. W. ice, Mr. C. H. Crawford; Managers, Mrs. James R. Young, Mrs. David Geb- ay Mrs. D. E. McSherry, Mrs. L. B. Allen, Mrs. Abia Zeller, Mrs. Jolin V. 13, Mrs. M. B. Parmely, Mrs. J. C. Kiefaber, Mrs. A. W. Beall, Mrs. Mary !... Ramsey, Miss Jennie Whitmore, Mrs. Leonard Moore.

THE GERMAN BAPTISTS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Being of German descent and Baptist in principle, we are properly termed Gehan Baptists. But we are known also as "Tunkers" or "Dunkers." The prilipal name assumed by ourselves is simply Brethren. "One is your Master, eve Christ, and all ye are brethren." Matt. xxiii, 8.

In giving the following brief history of our people for this county, I assume

524

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

. no responsibilities. I give simply a few of the main points pertaining to ou early history, or re-organization of the church as commenced in Germany an completed in America, as I chance at present to have them at hand.

Our early history can perhaps be more accurately given than can our success increase, etc. This is owing to the fact that the meek and humble profession ( our people has hitherto forbid them saying much about themselves that woul betray any desire whatever for boasting, vain glory or display. But, when aske for particulars, as we have been by the publishers of this work, for the bette acquaintance of ourselves to their readers and the community generally, we hes. tate not to give them a few particulars so far as our knowledge enables us so to de

Away beyond the great waters, in about the year 1700, at the time when they existed in Germany a state of religious apostacy which seemed to some as a man fest evidence of a great decay in the vital principles and true devotedness to il Holy ordinances and Divine commandments as set forth in the Divine Law of th Lord, there were those there whose convictions were more refined, and whose cal dor as to the true services of the Lord forbid their longer union or adhereng with such an apostate state of things; and, being possessed, or largely imbued, it seems, by Divine instinct, with the Waldenses' faith and principles, they halte to enquire for a pure Christianity that they might re-establish the holy service of the Lord in their primitive purity and simplicity.

That there remained here and there traces of the ancient and much pers cuted Waldenses is reasonable to conclude from the following few quotation which I take from Brown's Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, pages 114' 1148, 1149 and 1150.

"The Waldenses themselves, in a conference with the Bohemians, declare that they had been dispersed through Lombardy, Calabria, Germany, Bohemi and other regions ever since the year 1160."- Venama's Church History, Mosheir. Milner, Jones, Benedict.

"It is now generally acknowledged that the Waldenses were the witnesses f the truth in the Dark Ages, and that they gave the first impulse to a reform of tl whole Christian Church, so called."

"Waldenses, Valdenses, Vandeis, or 'people of the valleys;' the most cel brated body of Protestant dissenters during the Middle Ages. The history of the churches of persecuted saints, these meek confessers, this noble army of martyr this most ancient stock of religion. * ** * The evidence is now ample, tha so far from being a new sect at that period (1170) they had existed under variou names as a distinct class of dissenters from the established churches of Greece au Rome in the earliest ages."

"The Cathari, or Puritan churches of the Novatians, also, had at that peric (about A. D. 325) been flourishing as a distinct communion for more than sevent years all over the empire (see Novatiaus). These Puritans, being exposed severe and sanguinary persecutions for dissent, from age to age, were compelled shelter themselves from the desolating storm in retirement; and when at interva they reappear on the page of contemporary history, and their principles are proj agated with new boldness and success, they are styled a new sect, and receive new name, though in reality they are the same people. * * They reappear the Paulicians, who have been falsely accused of Manichaeism, but who from tl middle of the seventh to the end of the ninth century worthily sustained by the preaching, their lives and their martyrdoms, their claim of being the genuir descendants of the primitive churches." (See Paulicians.)

"If we will believe the testimony of the suffering Waldenses themselve their doctrine and discipline had been preserved in all its purity and efficacy, froi the days of the primitive martyrs in Spain, France, Germany, Italy and especial in the valleys of Piedmont."

I have made the above historical quotations to show, in part, that in the val ous ages there has existed a people-though in different parts and under differer

525

HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

r.nes-in whom God was careful to preserve the true worship. He has always h1 a people, though small the number at times, who would not and could not be. orcome by their enemies. Though oppressions and persecution dispersed them al drove them from place to place and from land to land, smothering the true wrship of God to such an extent that it was with great difficulty under such try- in times that it would rise again. Such was the true state of things in Germany e ly in the seventeenth century, when the Lord, in the hearts of a few, again re- ved His work, and at Swartzenau, in the land of Witgenstein, so overruled that 13 few could have a present place of refuge in that poor and rugged country u il His holy worship could, in part, again be reinstated.

With regard to the persecutions of these newly enlightened persons and their Caceptions and views of the true faith, I will here submit a few facts from the w tings of Alexander Mack, who was one among the number whose heart was ijuenced by divine impulse to re-establish the Lord's worship.

"Here and there private meetings were established beside the public church o'anization, in which newly-awakened souls sought their edification. Upon this t.] hearts of the rulers were embittered by an envious priesthood, and persecu- tis were commenced in various places, as in Switzerland, Wurtemberg, the Patinate, Hesse and other places.

"To those persecuted and exiled persons the Lord pointed out a place of rige, or a little "Pella," in the land of Witgenstein, where at that time ruled a nd count, and where some pious countess dwelt. Here liberty of conscience was g'nted at Shewartzenau, which is within a few miles of Berlenberg. And from tls cause, though Witgenstein is a poor and rough country, many people and tl'se of various kinds collected at Schwartzenau, and this place, which had been by little esteemed, became so much changed, that in a few years it became ex- tosively known.

"Those who were brought together there from the persecutions, though they we distinguished by different opinions and also differed in manners and customs, we still, at first, all called Pietists, and they among themselves called each other bither. But very soon it appeared that the words of Christ, Matt. xviii, where he sis, 'If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between tle and him alone,' etc., could not be reduced to a proper Christian practice be- case there was no regular order yet established in the church. Therefore, some rurned again to the religious denominations from which they had come out, bjause they would not be subjected to a more strict Christian discipline.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The history of Montgomery county, Ohio, containing a history of the county, Part 56

Author: W.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1214

Author: W.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1214